Monday, October 24, 2011

It's been three weeks since our adopted flock came home to abide at the Rural Roost. Our new residents, Elijah the cockerel and the four pullets have settled in rather nicely. The girls are shy little creatures taking more time to come out of their shell and any thoughts of naming them, especially by the glimmer twins, were quickly dispelled as soon as they arrived. Why you ask? Because you can't tell them apart. It's as simple as that.

There is one exception. It seems three of the ladies follow Eli without fail. They sort of remind me of the Supremes in this photo. Where Eli goes, they go. The fourth lovely lady however has a mind of her own. Either that or she is easily distracted and gets left behind but I'll never tell; that's her story, not mine.

In those first few days after their arrival a head count was done, oh, about every five minutes or so and inevitably there would be one missing. "One, two, three, four. Where is number five?" I would ask the rest of them. And hence the last little girl is known affectionately as Number Five. Only thing is, we can only tell which one is Number Five when she's off doing her own thing. Which can go on for quite some time, by the way, but she eventually makes a quick jaunt across the yard to catch up with her roostmates, as captured above. We'll be sure to bring this photo out again at her wedding, just to embarrass her one last time.

As I've mentioned before, these birds are Chanteclers, a rare and endangered breed, one of only two to originate from Canada. They are cold tolerant birds which they've already proven to us, as they love to forage in the little woods beside their coop all day long, despite the cold, drizzly grey days we've experienced the last few weeks.

When the group arrived Eli was the same size as the ladies but has grown significantly over the last few weeks and is now much taller than the others. His feet are quite massive as well, and as you can see his plumage is quite colourful. I do think, however, that both sexes have beautiful colouring. But I still tell Eli he's a pretty boy. Happy rooster in training, happy Rural Roost!

Eli's tail feathers will continue to grow and both he and the girls have bluish green feathers with an iridescent glow. These Chantecler are the partridge variety, while the original Chantecler breed has white plumage.

We're thoroughly enjoying getting to know these guys. Within no time, Eli was eating out of our hands and while they're still not too fussy about being petted, they do love to follow us around the yard. In fact, sometimes I turn around to see them running after me. I'd like to think they adore me, but these little Scratchheads have only one thing on their mind and I don't believe they think I'm their mama.

As the last vestiges of the gardens were plucked away this weekend, we discovered how much the chickens love raspberries and adore strawberries. So much so, that they pestered me for more the next day. I offered them some swiss chard but they turned their beaks up at that. Yes, they're picky eaters too. Luckily, I'm used to that!

So as we continue to learn about coop keeping, bird tending and just how much poop a chicken can make, we're falling in love with these little creatures as they roam, scratch and peck around the old farmhouse. Dare I say, another Rural Revival at it's best?

29 comments:

what neat little creatures. i had no idea that they would be so picky like us humans in what they would & would not eat. an interesting view into your daily life. if only we could have chickens where we live ...but the neighborhood committee would something to say about that. ha. fun. (:

They're beautiful Andrea and will only get more so as they mature. I'll have to look this breed up...the name rings a bell though. Chickens are such wonderful creatures and I love the sound of them clucking away and love to watch them scratch and peck for food. They're very vocal aren't they! Enjoy your chickens and their poop...just think how beautiful your garden will be next year!!!Maura :)

I have chicken envy too! They are just gorgeous-oh, those feathers! The colors look iridescent!I think #5 has ADHD. But, it's OK. She is just her own chicken. Not like those chickies at Windsor who have no individual style!!I look forward to many more posts about the flock! This makes me very happy :)LYLAS!xo, misha

Awww, they are sweet. Aren't chickens so much fun? I am so glad to see you have a rooster- I think it makes a huges difference in the flock and roosters make things so much more entertaining and interesting.

What fun it was to view your newest babes . . . it makes me smile to realize how much I am enjoying learning about chicks, horses, birds, dogs, cats, insects in the past five months since my blogging began.

I have a 150 year old farm house too! But only one acre of land. The rest of the surrounding land belongs to the golf course. I plan on having a coop finished by spring and that's when I'll get my 4-5 chicks. I've wanted laying hens for about a year but couldn't find anyone to build me a coop! Wonderful photos of your brood.

That's funny. When ours were younger and I'd be waiting for them to go in at night, I'd count them. Okay, who's going to be Number Three? You don't want to be Number Ten, do you? Aren't we just silly about our chickens? I can tell Eli is going to be very handsome when he matures and gets his glorious rooster feathers. Have fun.

Amazing pictures cuz!! Those chickens are so beautiful!! I've been living with about 15 the past two months and cannot believe how amazing they are to have around! I find myself in the run with them for hours talking in chicken with them and sharing fresh foods! LovEly to see you guys are enjoying that same breed of company :) I'll have to capture some closer shots of them to send to you! Happy Fall & Halloween!! Please send my love to the family. I miss you all muchly!much, Much love!!